Nikon D7200 DX-format DSLR Camera Body
I have used multiple Nikon bodies (D7000, D7100 and D7200) over the years – they keep getting updated and improved. They are great value for money. With the built in crop factor, I don’t use teleconverters because they really slow down the auto-focus and there is a noticeable loss of definition. The large image size these days gives us a lot of slack to create a good image even when it isn’t full-frame. The light weight is a big plus when you are carrying it with a big lens all day. The video is a really nice plus. They are great bang for the buck!
Nikon D810 FX-format Digital SLR Camera
The latest and greatest full frame sensor camera body. At 36.3mp it makes me question if wildlife photographers will start to go away from camera’s with built in crop factors and go to full-frame sensors like this one. Cropped images will still be large and the fine detail is mind-blowing.
Nikon 500mm f/4.0G ED VR AF-S SWM Super Telephoto Lens
This has been my go to big lens for the last few years. Sharp, durable and well balanced, it is the best of the big lenses for shooting without a tripod. Not cheap, but all the big telephoto’s are worth the investment.
LensCoat 500mm Lens Cover
You have to protect your investment! Not cheap and mine get worn to shreds but you have to bite the bullet.
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 300mm f/4D IF-ED Fixed Zoom Lens
My toy lens! Fairly light and durable, it’s good for when you don’t want to carry a big lens but still want some reach. It doesn’t have image stabilization but I don’t miss it in most cases and at the price point it is still good value for the money. A good starter lens and for those who want to start shooting (larger) birds.
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens
This has been my small lens of choice in recent times. I love it’s flexibility and it does the job quite nicely. It has VR/IS.
Canon 5D Mark III
Friends who own this camera love it.
Canon 90mm Tilt Shift
This lens has stayed with me since the days when I was all Canon. How could I possibly get rid of my baby! This tilt shift lens is crazy sharp. All manual focus, once you have learned out how to use it properly, it is a remarkable toy. It was the primary lens for the background shots in The Crossley ID Guide: Eastern Birds. The Nikon tilt shift I used was much bulkier and tougher to use. If you are a serious photographer or have the money to play, go and treat yourself. The Canon 17mm version gets even more rave reviews – I can’t imagine how those images must look on a screen.
As you can see from most of my equipment, it is well used!
Gitzo Series 5 Systematic 4 Section Tripod GT5542LS
After using a number of tripods over the years, it wasn’t till I started using Gitzo that I fell in love. They are all great depending on your needs.
Wimberley WH-200 Wimberley Head II
My big boy 6 series Gitzo is surprisingly light but still a beast. I love it! It is shown here with my Wimberley head. Designed for big camera lens, it is the best, and some would say, the only way to go. I also use it for my scope.
